Chenango County Health Department staff that participated in the Lead Walk last month, which taught Chenango County residents the dangers of lead and lead poisoning. This month is ultraviolet light safety awareness month, and the Health Department provided information on the dangers of UV light and how to prevent the damage it causes. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — July is ultraviolet light safety awareness month. UV light can be harmful to your skin and eyes. The most common of all cancer types is skin cancer, and more than 5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States.

UV exposure adds up over time, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer. Most of us remember to protect our skin by applying sunblock, but don't forget your eyes need protection too. It’s important to start sun protection at an early age. Babies younger than six months should be kept out of direct sunlight.

To protect yourself from the sun, wear clothes to cover your skin such as pants and long sleeves. Some clothing is certified under international standards as offering UV protection.

Wear a broad brimmed hat along with your sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. Wear glasses which are large and wrap around that block UV rays. Protect children and senior citizens with hats and sunglasses. Everyone is at risk for sun damage.

Know that clouds don't block UV light. The sun's rays can pass through clouds and haze. Stay in the shade. Sunlight is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at higher altitudes, and when reflected from water, ice, or snow.

Use sunscreen. The American Cancer society recommends an SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen needs to be put on every two hours. It can wash off after you swim, sweat, or towel off, even if its water resistant.

For more information visit aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun, health.ny.gov/environmental/tanning/sun_safety.htm, and cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun.html.

Last month, the Chenango County Department of Health visited area towns to educate the community on the importance of lead and lead poisoning. We call this activity Lead Walk, and have been doing this event since 2012.

We visited the towns of Afton, Bainbridge, Earlville, Greene, Guilford, New Berlin, Norwich, Plymouth, Sherburne, South New Berlin, and the City of Norwich. We visit different towns each year.

This year’s theme was: “No Lead Level is Safe!” We left gray/purple paper doorknob hangers on front doors around the county. The main educational topic on the door hangers was lead poisoning prevention. Additional information on rabies prevention was also distributed.

Staff members walked from May 16 through June 30. We used pedometers and cell phones to check our steps and try to pass the 200-mile mark as a team. We passed our goal and reached 290 miles, 16 staff members participated, and we delivered 4,344 door hangers.

If you have questions, you may call us at 607-337-1660. We are located at the County Office Building, 5 Court Street in Norwich, or visit us www.co.chenangocounty.ny.us. Please like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ChenangoLHD.

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

-Information provided by the Chenango County Health Department